FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch says the ‘build preparation’ stage has begun for the Australian Government’s National Broadband Network (NBN) to be rolled out in Cooktown.
“The NBN is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia’s history, and is certainly the most complex,” said Mr Entsch.
“Today’s announcement means that here in Cooktown we can soon expect to see NBN team members on the streets, working with Telstra to make sure all existing infrastructure is prepared for the NBN fibre to be rolled out and connected to homes and businesses.
“Once this build preparation is complete, construction will begin. Based on the usual timeframe, we would expect houses and businesses in the area to be able to get a service in around 12 months.
“This is a huge milestone, and one that shows we’re delivering fast internet to all Australians – whether they live in the heart of Sydney, or in more regional areas of Far North Queensland,” said Mr Entsch.
In August, the Federal Government announced it would significantly accelerate the rollout of the NBN. Since the election, the company has gone from being able to service one in 50 premises around the country to one in 10.
The project will continue to significantly ramp-up in coming years, with the company on-track to reach every home and business in Australia by 2020.
Mr Entsch said Cooktown residents could stay up-to-date with the status of the NBN rollout at www.nbnco.com.au
